Board updates athletic position and adopts naming policy on first reading; convenes executive session for personnel

The Douglas Unified School District governing board voted unanimously on several personnel and policy items and then moved into executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

Board members approved changing the athletic secretary position to athletics coordinator following a desk audit presented to the board. The presenter said the desk audit found the role’s complexity and the position’s duties support reclassification; the board approved a pay-grade adjustment. The presenter described the new classification as category 7 and said the incumbent would move from the previously listed level to the newly approved level in the packet materials. “This position is being recommended to change the title from athletic secretary to athletics coordinator,” the presenter said, adding the action reflects the role’s expanded duties.

The board then voted to temporarily suspend policy BGB (which ordinarily requires two readings before policy adoption) under policy BGF and to approve Policy FF — Naming of Facilities — on first reading so the revised policy could take effect immediately. Board materials said the revised policy expands criteria and clarifies scope (school buildings, administrative buildings, gymnasiums, stadiums, athletic fields, playgrounds, district programs and ceremonies) and adds time-sensitivity and participation guidelines for naming proposals.

Board members asked for clarification about how the revised policy differed from the 2012 policy. Administration summarized the differences: the original policy listed geographic locations, historical events or deceased individuals as naming sources and had two guidelines; the revised draft adds more specific criteria, steps for community participation and clearer application to events and programs. One board member noted a past incident in which an event was named by staff without following policy and said the administration should address that specific incident within existing policy parameters.

After those votes, the board voted to convene an executive session pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes §38-431.03(A)(1) to discuss a personnel matter involving Mr. Soto, the chief financial and operations officer. The motion to enter executive session carried on a roll-call vote. The board later reconvened in open session and adjourned; no public action or votes were taken during the executive session while the meeting was closed to the public.

All votes on the personnel and policy items were recorded by roll call with affirmative votes from the members present.